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Jonny takes helm of Black Beauty for Indonesia

The New Zealand A1GP team has selected Jonny Reid to drive in the 5th Round of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in Indonesia this weekend.

Reid will be joined in Jakarta by 20-year-old Chris van der Drift, who will make his race weekend debut driving in Friday's Rookie Sessions.

Last season Reid competed in two of the first four rounds before Matt Halliday supplanted him for the rest of the season, but this weekend will be his third outing in the first five events of Season 2.

The 23-year-old said he didn't expect this weekend's drive so he is "over the moon" and determined to shine.

"This is the best opportunity that could possibly come my way and I'm confident I can do the job," Reid said.

The Aucklander believes the drive is reward for his perseverance and desire to improve.

"It would have been easy to become disenchanted with only getting two drives last year, but I looked on the two races I did as a positive and it gave me a platform to work from.

"I'm the type of person who fights through the tough times to come out on top and I just put my head down, worked hard and tried to become a better driver."

Halliday drove to an 8th and a 7th at the 4.12km Sentul circuit last season and Reid has watched the DVD of those races to get a feel for the track.

"It has a bit of width and should be quite fast, although not quite as quick as the Sepang circuit we raced on in Malaysia a few weeks ago," Reid said.

"I'll be walking the circuit today as part of my normal process, checking out the contours and the bumps to see what might unsettle the car. I have a good mental picture of the track."

Reid says conditions should be even hotter and muggier than in Malaysia where he scored a 3rd place and an 8th in the Sprint and Feature races.

"It can be daunting concentrating and working so hard in the heat, but I'm feeling fit and I'm all geared up for whatever conditions prevail."

Taupo hosts the next round of the A1GP between January 19 - 21 and Reid admits he does have his heart set on driving at his home event.

"Taupo is in the back of my mind and if I do a good job this weekend I could be racing in front of the home fans.

"But this is a hot seat and you have to be performing the whole time if you want to keep it.

"I'm just looking to better my game every time I get in that car, so I'll be pushing myself to qualify on pole and win races. That's my focus."

Reid is thrilled van der Drift will be taking part in Friday's Rookie Sessions, especially as the team has an extra set of tyres they must use this weekend.

"He was impressive in testing at Silverstone a month before this second season started and conducted himself well on and off the track.

"It's important for our future in A1GP that we give young guys this experience so we can keep New Zealand at the forefront."

New Zealand is currently 12th equal on the championship points table with 15 points.

Reid will be joined in Jakarta by 20-year-old Chris van der Drift, who will make his race weekend debut driving in Friday's Rookie Sessions.

Last season Reid competed in two of the first four rounds before Matt Halliday supplanted him for the rest of the season, but this weekend will be his third outing in the first five events of Season 2.

The 23-year-old said he didn't expect this weekend's drive so he is "over the moon" and determined to shine.

"This is the best opportunity that could possibly come my way and I'm confident I can do the job," Reid said.

The Aucklander believes the drive is reward for his perseverance and desire to improve.

"It would have been easy to become disenchanted with only getting two drives last year, but I looked on the two races I did as a positive and it gave me a platform to work from.

"I'm the type of person who fights through the tough times to come out on top and I just put my head down, worked hard and tried to become a better driver."

Halliday drove to an 8th and a 7th at the 4.12km Sentul circuit last season and Reid has watched the DVD of those races to get a feel for the track.

"It has a bit of width and should be quite fast, although not quite as quick as the Sepang circuit we raced on in Malaysia a few weeks ago," Reid said.

"I'll be walking the circuit today as part of my normal process, checking out the contours and the bumps to see what might unsettle the car. I have a good mental picture of the track."

Reid says conditions should be even hotter and muggier than in Malaysia where he scored a 3rd place and an 8th in the Sprint and Feature races.

"It can be daunting concentrating and working so hard in the heat, but I'm feeling fit and I'm all geared up for whatever conditions prevail."

Taupo hosts the next round of the A1GP between January 19 - 21 and Reid admits he does have his heart set on driving at his home event.

"Taupo is in the back of my mind and if I do a good job this weekend I could be racing in front of the home fans.

"But this is a hot seat and you have to be performing the whole time if you want to keep it.

"I'm just looking to better my game every time I get in that car, so I'll be pushing myself to qualify on pole and win races. That's my focus."

Reid is thrilled van der Drift will be taking part in Friday's Rookie Sessions, especially as the team has an extra set of tyres they must use this weekend.

"He was impressive in testing at Silverstone a month before this second season started and conducted himself well on and off the track.

"It's important for our future in A1GP that we give young guys this experience so we can keep New Zealand at the forefront."

New Zealand is currently 12th equal on the championship points table with 15 points.